Physician Assistant or Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Cardiac Surgery Stepdown Unit, Full-time, Rotating

Job Description

Northwestern Medicine has an exciting opportunity for either an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner or a Physician Assistant to work in our Cardiac Surgery Stepdown Unit department.

The APP will be joining a team of over 30 APPs and 10 surgeons on a 28-bed stepdown unit. Census varies.

Schedule : Rotating shifts (6a-7p, 6p-7a), holidays and weekends required

Essential Functions :

Demonstrates clinical expertise and expanded knowledge through patient care activities which may include diagnosis and management of a wide range of health problems.

Responsible for health outcome of an assigned patient population. Confers with collaborating physician and other health professionals in area of clinical expertise.

Develops appropriate educational systems for patients, families and staff in areas of expertise. Mentors graduate students in aspects of advanced practice and patient care.

Actively participates in quality improvement and / or research pertinent to area of expertise.

Responsibilities :

• Performs evaluation and problem identification of patients.
• Performs history and physical examination of patients.
• Writes prescriptions, and orders, and interprets laboratory data and radiological tests.
• Monitors patient status and response to treatments.
• Documents findings in the medical record.
• Recommends appropriate therapeutic interventions.
• Interacts with consultants as appropriate.
• Provide education and counseling for patients. Directs patient and / or family to agencies dealing with specific illnesses / diseases.
• Orders appropriate therapeutic interventions.
• Supervises NP, PA, health science, and medical students as appropriate.

Conducts comprehensive appraisals of patients' health status by taking health histories and performing physical examinations in clinical area.

Provides direct clinical care to patients. Prescribes / orders medications, therapies; orders / interprets laboratory tests, x-rays and procedures according to clinical privileges.

Evaluates patients to determine their need for further health care. Provides comprehensive teaching to patients and families.

Documents in the medical record all care and education provided and / or procedures performed for which the Licensed Advanced Practice Provider is responsible.

Refers to other disciplines as appropriate. Consultant to other disciplines in areas of expertise. Integrates research based knowledge and clinical expertise in decision making.

Exemplifies a professional image in appearance, manner and presentation. Advocate for patients, families, coworkers, and the community.

Maintains certifications and continuing education as required for licensure and privileging. Serves as a patient advocate and role model for "Patients First".

Participates in unit / departmental / divisional or hospital committees / task forces as appropriate. Provides comprehensive teaching strategies for patients and their families.

Develops and participates in programs to meet continuing education needs of staff. Serves as a role model and preceptor to students.

Provides formal education to both internal and external groups pertinent to area of specialty. Participates in quality improvement and / or research initiatives for specific patient population as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited school / college of nursing OR master's degree from an accredited Physician Assistant Program
• Acute care certification required for APRNs
• Current license as a Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois. Current license as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois.

Certification as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse by a national certifying body as approved by the Illinois Department of Regulation APRN Board.

Once licensed may apply for a controlled substance license and DEA number OR Master’s degree from an accredited Physician Assistant Program / Current license as a Physician Assistant in the State of Illinois.

Once licensed may apply for a controlled substance license and DEA number

• Privileged and credentialed through the NMH Medical Staff Office (MSO)
• Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation BLS, issued by the American Heart Association
• New grad APNs will be considered with relevant cardiac surgery RN experience
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience Cardiac Surgery
• No new grad PAs

Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action / equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.